Anyone who still bangs on about Canberra being boring clearly hasn’t checked into the East Hotel. Located smack bang in the centre of arguably Canberra’s trendiest suburb, Kingston, this moody 140-room property is perfect for a family getaway.
Though playful in spirit, East Hotel doesn’t play around when it comes to your hotel experience. The lobby, with its vibrant colours, mismatched textures, and ambient lighting, breaks the mould of the typical ‘design hotel’. Check in after 5pm and you’ll be greeted with a lively buzz, as laughter and chatter spill out from Joe’s, the hotel’s cosy Italian bar, and Agostinis, one of Canberra’s best Italian restaurants (and believe us – it has some stiff competition).
East Hotel’s studios are spectacularly spacious, decorated with jewel-tone couches, velvet cushions, plush carpets and cheery art. In the apartments, you’ll find enough closet space to satisfy a RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant, as well as an open plan living area, fully equipped kitchen, separate bedroom and large bathroom with an oversized Jacuzzi bathtub. You could easily sink into its warm embrace (with daily replenished Appelles Apothecary bath salts), or toast to the weekend with a wine on the balcony, overlooking the surrounding parks and mountains.
Got kids in tow? East Hotel has specialised child-friendly cubby rooms that can connect to any of their standard apartments. These rooms are decked out with bunk beds, play tables, bean bags, board games and Xbox 360s, plus a mini bar that’ll make adults jealous.
Room service here is courtesy of downstairs restaurant Agostinis – which means staying in or riding the lift to the lobby for handmade pizza and lasagna. Now, adults, about that bar – Joe’s: you’ll want to order the signature antipasto plate. It comes piled high with prosciutto, marinated mushrooms and two types of cheese, and goes very well with an Aperol Spritz. Or, if you’re feeling indulgent go the tiramisu – which is basically an Espresso Martini with mascarpone.
East Hotel sits between the small but upscale shopping districts of Kingston and Manuka, where you’ll find many of Canberra’s most spectacular cafés for breakfast the next morning. It’s also a 15-minute walk to Kingston Foreshore, with bike hire and maps available from reception. In summer, you might be tempted by free entry to the Art Deco Manuka Pool. While in winter, you can catch the GWS Giants playing AFL at Manuka Oval just across the road.